16 Great Tools from the 2012 National Hardware Show

In our annual Editor's Choice awards, PM's home experts pick the best new tools from the National Hardware Show. This year: a smarter string trimmer, a way to paint those hard-to-reach spots, a tough-as-nails demolition bar, and plenty more.

Black & Decker LST136 36-volt String Trimmer

Black & Decker LST136 36-volt String Trimmer

Price: $170

Powered by a 36-volt lithium-ion battery, the Black & Decker LST136 string trimmer has power to spare. Spin its PowerCommand dial to the maximum runtime setting and you can trim up to a mile of pavement on a single charge. Dial it to maximum power and slice through tough weeds and tall grass. You don't need to bother bump-feeding the line head—it feeds out fresh trimmer string automatically.

Coast LED Pro Pocket Pliers

Coast LED Pro Pocket Pliers

Price: $48

The Coast Pro Pocket Pliers Multi-Tool already has spring-loaded wire-cutting pliers, a serrated knife blade, screwdriver blades, and a bottle opener. What could you add to make it even better? The answer is two LEDs, one pointing forward and the other back.